Burnout and disengagement are epidemic in health care. Increasing government regulations, payer demands, and the EHR are placing tremendous stress on doctors. Individuals become overwhelmed, discouraged, and disengaged. All too often, they cut back, quit, or retire.

Dan Diamond, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and a part-time practicing physician at Multicare Immediate Clinic, explains, “People go into medicine believing that they have the power to make a difference. Burnout happens when they no longer believe they can.” So what does burnout look like?